Lake County Announces First Coronavirus Deaths

Lake County, Ill. — Lake County officials regret to announce that the first two Lake County residents have died from complications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper said, “On March 24, 2020, at approximately 8 p.m., the Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified of the death of a male in his 50s at one of our local hospitals. He was tested for COVID-19 prior to his death, and last night the results confirmed that he was indeed COVID-19 positive. Today, at approximately 1:30 a.m., we were notified of the death of a woman in her 90s at another area hospital. She also tested positive for COVID-19."

The two patients are not being identified to protect the privacy of their families. Both cases had underlying health conditions.

“Our hearts are heavy in Lake County today, as we lost two of our residents to this devastating disease. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members during this most difficult time,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. “We want to remind everyone in our community of the importance of practicing social distancing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect our most vulnerable and high-risk residents.”

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the families that lost their loved ones this week. COVID-19 has affected every single one of us. In such a short amount of time, our lives have been turned upside down, but we must stay strong and united as we face this challenge together,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “Lake County will continue to direct its efforts and resources to fight this virus in every way possible.”

"Our deepest condolences go out to their families during this difficult time. This is truly a tragedy. Please know that the Lake County Coroner’s Office is working closely with our county emergency management team, area hospitals, and funeral homes during this terrible pandemic,” added Cooper.